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Rising trends - what is Building Integrated Photovoltaics?
Solar panels are becoming an increasingly familiar sight up and down the country, and by now most people would be able to recognise one if they saw it. However a new market sector is emerging within the solar industry, and that is Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). But what is BIPV you may ask, and how does it compare to the more common non-integrated solar panels?
BIPV refers to when Photovoltaic materials are integrated into the construction of the building itself in the place of more conventional building materials. For example, this can be in the roofing, facades, shading or skylights. BIPV is able to provide a source of power for the building, as well as being part of its construction.
Its most common use is in the construction of new buildings. The materials are generally more expensive than non-integrated solar panels, however for new builds these costs can be offset against those of the building materials they replace. BIPV can be retrofitted onto older buildings, however this is often a more expensive option than fitting solar panels on an existing roof, as the original building materials have already been installed and paid for.
BIPV is an exciting prospect for architects, as it adds a new element to the design and structure of the building. The photovoltaic cells come in a wide range of colours, which can add to the aesthetics of the building. There have been several famous projects that have taken advantage of BIPV technology. One such example is the Zero Energy Media Wall in Beijing, which features the largest LED display in the world. Here the photovoltaic materials have been integrated into the glass curtain wall of the building, where they harvest Solar Energy during the day, and use it to illuminate the screen after dark, mirroring a day's climatic cycle.
It is clear then that BIPV can be a great source of innovation when designing new buildings, and can produce some impressive results from an architectural point of view. But is it suitable for every day homes? If you are building a new house, or are interested in constructing an awning for a patio, then BIPV could be for you. Solar tiles can be factored in at the design stage, therefore replacing the conventional building materials and providing your home with a source of renewable energy. However for the majority of people considering solar energy for their home, solar panels will still be the more likely option. This is because most people will be retrofitting, therefore the increased cost of BIPV will not be offset against construction materials. What is more, retrofitting BIPV involves more work than installing solar panels, as the original roofing materials would have to be removed before installing the solar tiles in their place.
About the Author
Katie Marsh is an expert in the field of solar PV and is Operations Executive for Landmark Solar. Landmark Solar are MCS accredited installers of photovoltaic PV panels and solar installations.